'Uno de enero, dos de febrero,
tres de marzo, cuatro de abril,
cinco de mayo, seis de junio,
siete de julio: san Fermín .
A Pamplona hemos de ir,
con una media, con una media,
a Pamplona hemos de ir
con una media y un calcetín.' (folk song about the San Fermín festival)
Every year, from July 7 to 14 in the city of Pamplona (Navarre Province) the San Fermín Festival is organized. About 400 years ago, in 1591, the city authorities decided to move the festival to the summer, when the weather is beautiful. The city attracts many tourists and Spanish people from all corners of the country. They settle on the grass in the squares and live for a week under the open sky.
Wine and food in huge quantities and the running of bulls that are released through the narrow streets are the main activities of the celebrants. The streets are enclosed with wooden barriers and are specially adapted to 'channel' the running heavy animals. For those present, the adrenaline rises incredibly when the enraged animals begin to run at people's heels. Accidents are not uncommon. Spanish television channels broadcast the bull run and comment in their characteristic passionate style.
The festival has its roots in the Middle Ages, but Hemingway immortalized it and made it known to the world by describing it in his novella 'Fiesta'.
A traditional distinctive mark of the participants is a red scarf tied around the neck. The scarf is worn as a sign of solidarity with the suffering Fermín, who was recognized as a saint because of his deeds. The scarf is worn throughout the week. It is tied around the neck when a burning firework, fired from the square, announces the beginning of the festival and a city official shouts 'Viva San Fermín, Gora San Fermín'.
More information at sanfermin.com